Shoppers were evacuated from Royal City Centre on Monday when a strong, toxic odor wafted through the area around the food court.
A New West resident told the Record they were at the mall when family members when they had to evacuate, along with many others, when a “strong, toxic odor” was detected in and around the food court and elevator. (Reports vary on whether bear spray or pepper spray was released on Jan. 9.)
“On Monday, two men were approached by two other men on the rooftop at 610 Sixth St. After a brief confrontation, the suspects deployed bear spray towards the victims. The victims fled the area and called police,” said Sgt. Justine Thom, spokesperson for the New Westminster Police Department. “Unfortunately the residual bear spray began circulating through the heating and cooling system of the Royal City Centre. The mall was evacuated and shut down for approximately 90 minutes.”
Acting fire Chief Erin Williams confirmed that New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services crews responded to the food court area in Royal City Centre around noon on Jan. 9 after receiving a report of a “strange” odor.
“On arrival, it was determined that it was an incident involving the release of pepper spray,” he said in a statement to the Record. “NWFRS first responders treated two patients on scene for eye, throat and nose irritation and cleared the area of any lingering pepper spray through ventilation. Once the area was cleared, the public was advised it was safe to enter.”
NWPD investigators are working to determine who the suspects are by canvassing for CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses. If you witnessed this assault and have not yet spoken with police, call 604-525-5411.
